Snow is forecast all week. Forecasts say it will go on Sunday but I am taking no chances.  So, leaving my little preciousness behind (she was so upset), I drove to Lerwick in my van for supplies.

The snow had already arrived first thing, when we fed everyone, but luckily the roads were clear and it was a smooth drive into town.  This is not going to go away soon.

I know I am panicking slightly but, with so many oldies to look after, I don’t want to run out of anything.

So I bought a round bale of hay and 4 square bales of straw – a second mortgage up here but worth it.  Fibre and more fibre is the way forward this time of year.  Nothing is better.  It fuels the internal furnaces.

Next to the feed merchant and I loaded up with hen, sheep and horse/pony food plus some dog treats for Pepper and Ted.

Once safely home, the afternoon was spent making warm beds for everyone who needs a warm bed.

These photos are from  tonight, when I was shutting in the poultry. They actually share very nicely and the warmth they all create, keeps the shed lovely and snug.  No arguments.

The sheep were very happy to see the straw and I know that Lambie will spend his entire night trying to eat all his bedding while Barrel eats the hardboard on the gate *** sigh ***.

The horses and ponies will get extra tomorrow morning, including haynets twice a day, once the anticipated snow has covered everything.

Haakon was waiting for me this morning, trying to catch my attention like someone in the restaurant wanting the bill (cheque), or a carrot, in Haakon’s case.

How could I walk past and do nothing?  That’s not my job.  I am She-who-always-has-something-about-her-person.  That’s who I am.

So, determinted to live up to my name, I went back to the kitchen in my muddy wellies doing that special ridiculous tippy-toe walk across the kitchen floor when you hope the mud is not leaving footprints on the floor. I grabbed three carrots and returned to the garden gate.

And then there were two.

A friend, aka Iacs, had probably heard the arrival of the carrots.  Iacs and Haakon had one and a half each and were very happy.

Kolka was miles away, enjoying a visit with Vitamin – they looked like they were probably exchanging stories on how annoying it is to live with boys!

Later, on the dog-walk, I was accosted again, but this time my pocketses were empty, I was embarrassed to admit.

And this is the most perfect photo of Iacs, ever.

The wind is dying down now, and I think we get a one day weather reprieve tomorrow when I will dash into town and get a round bale of hay.  The snow is coming back again.  Meh!

I knew today wasn’t going to go well. I had that feeling.

The weather remained grot and I wanted to practice the piano. Not a thing I do very often, I admit, but my skills need to be honed for a friend who wants to learn and I can’t remember what the bottom notes are.  Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, right?  (or is that the treble clef? I forget).  All Cows Eat Grass?

So, as I had the house to myself, or so I though,  I sat down at my beautiful piano and did a spot of practicing.

I tried, I honestly did. But when Monster (known as Poo-Poo for short) tried to climb into the piano, I gave up.  He was so annoying and very painful.

And yes, sometimes at night I can hear the piano play and now I know why.  Note-to-self, I must remember to put the lid down!

This was going to be yesterday’s blog but the powercut put paid to that.

Yesterday was slighly calmer, weather-wise, so I decided to incorporate the daily dogwalk with a search for my missing-in-action yellow bucket.

Of course, I had helpers.

It was all Storm really.

And his friend Albie.  They insisted on coming too.

We had a lot of field to search.

But off we walked, always looking, ever hopeful.  I hate losing things.

Ted was not that thrilled with the accompanying ponies on his walk but, to be fair, they didn’t try anything horrid and everyone kept to themselves so he relaxed a bit.

Onwards, ever onwards we climbed.

Then the silliness started.

I knew what was going to happen next.

It was wonderful to watch.  Note how the old ladies stay in the same place while the Minions ran up and down the hill, giggling.  And there is also a small wee brown dog in amongst the herd, galloping alongside too.

Meanwhile, I kept looking for my bucket with absolutely no luck and eventually gave up.

That was until I found it today!  In the Ancients’ field by the burn.  Phew!  I told you I hate losing things.

We are in a power cut now so just to report I haven’t found my yellow bucket despite an extensive search.

OH bought me five blue ones when he went to town so happy days.